The word around the corner and the watercooler is that HBO’s gritty “The Wire” is must-see TV. Unlike the other cop shows, “The Wire” keeps it real, drawing on the true-to-life experiences of writer and producer Edward Burns, who did time on the mean streets of Baltimore as a social studies teacher and a 20-year veteran of a police detective unit.
‘WIRED’ UP—Michael K. Williams and Hassan Johnson, stars of HBO’s “The Wire,” visit Pittsburgh to greet their fans.
Two members of the cast (the street side) of the hit urban drama and Peabody Award-winning television show made a brief visit to Pittsburgh last month. Hassan Johnson, 28, who plays Roland “Wee Bey” Brice on the show, and Brooklyn, New York native Michael K. Williams, who plays “Omar Little”
PART 1—Hassan Johnson aka “Wee Bey”
Q: Anything you would like to tell us about “The Wire” and your career?
A: It’s been a long time coming. Anything worth having is a struggle but I’ve been loving it. “The Wire” is a good stepping-stone and catalyst in building my career up for sure and it’s definitely looking more positive since the show came back on in 2002.
Q: Will you have a more definite role in season five?
A: It’s hard to say because “Wee Bey” is in jail for 25-to-life and it just depends on what direction they want to take it. I may or may not come back because it’s not definite.
Q: The interview from HBO mentioned that it’s a day-to-day writing situation. How true is that?
A: Yeah, that’s something that we have to worry about all of the time. The script is day-to-day.
Q: Is your character and life anywhere near “Wee Bey’s” character?
A: No. I grew up in the street and everything, but I’m not a killer and I’m nothing like how “Wee Bey” was. Of course “Wee Bey” had a soft side and you got to see that with his family situations he would go through. Other than that, I’m not a “Wee Bey.” I’m a good guy. I’m a father and my daughter is 9-years old and I take care of my family. “Wee Bey” did take care of his family too, but he was more street-oriented. My path just isn’t that street.
Q: What city are you originally from?
A: Stanton Island, New York and that is where I still stay and reside.
Q: Some fans were not sure if they would be able to watch “The Wire” after “Stringer Bell” (drug gang financier and real estate wiz who was trying to move the gang away from violence and was ambushed by Omar Little’s character) died. Do you agree?
A: Oh yeah, that was a big deal.
Q: The writers are Caucasian, but the actors are real and African-American. What’s your take on that?
A: We made up for it in certain respects and certain departments so the realness made up for everything.
PART 2—Michael K. Williams aka “Omar”
Q: It’s 1 a.m. now and your fans have been waiting for you since 9 p.m. How do you feel about that?
A: I literally ran off of a set to be here. I’m down in Connecticut right now filming a movie with Eve and my schedule is kind of tight. I had to make a decision on whether to let Pittsburgh down or not. So I decided to walk off the set. Pittsburgh is a beautiful city and I will definitely be back. I’m going to do some things for the community and go talk to the kids and spread some love out here. I’m also going to bring my girl, Felicia Pearson (“Snoop” on the show) back to the ‘Burgh. She’s working right now, but when we come back, we’re going to do it right and put it down for Pittsburgh. Big up to the Steelers and the Black & Gold for holding Pittsburgh down.
Q: How do you feel about “The Wire” coming to BET Television?
A: It’s a good thing because the more people it reaches, the better. It’s the American story. I have to give big ups to Idris Elba for holding us down Seasons 1-3.
Q: Does HBO get the credit for bringing us “The Wire”?
A: HBO cannot take all of the credit for bringing “The Wire” to the masses. You really got to give big ups to David Simon, Ed Burns, Nina Nobles and others. Those are the people behind “The Wire”, not HBO. They threw the money at us, but they can’t take the credit.
Comments
Comment #1
(Posted by Bryan) Rating
Yo Ash,
Thanks for bringing national artists to the Courier from an interview standpoint. Some newspapers can talk about stars, but you actually talk to them and it's a great thing. Keep doing your thing because this interview was great.
B
Comment #2
(Posted by Nicole Hankins) Rating
Hey Ash.. just wanted to say congratulations to you again! You are definitely growing daily. :o) Your interviews are excellent. You ask questions that we all want to know as well as things we may not think about (something media hardly ever does). I like your interview style! You go Ash! :o)
Luv ya.. your fam Nic.
